Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the administration of cytotoxic drugs, usually by infusion into the veins. Agents such as taxotere are usually given at weekly intervals for a period of six weeks, under careful supervision. Newer, more specific forms of treatment are becoming available, but none of these are yet approved for use in the UK by NICE. However, in some circumstances and for certain patients, it may be possible to obtain them.

Who is it suitable for?

Drugs such as taxotere may be used in patients whose hormone therapy is beginning to fail – although only sparingly in prostate cancer because of the risk of unpleasant side-effects.

How does it work?

Chemotherapy works by attacking the actively dividing cancer cells, while leaving the normal cells in the body unaffected. Taxotere has been shown to prolong survival in patients whose cancer has escaped the control of hormonal treatments.

Where is it done?

We refer patients to the London Oncology Clinic at 95 Harley Street or the London Clinic chemotherapy unit for treatment.